New melanoma diagnosis & in need of help with pathology report
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New melanoma diagnosis & in need of help with pathology report

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › New melanoma diagnosis & in need of help with pathology report

  • Post
    • July 9, 2013 at 1:48 am
    Lauren6
    Participant

      Hi, I've seen others post their pathology reports here so I am hoping to get some help deciphering my own.  I was just diagnosed today with malignant melanoma in one mole.  I met with my dermatologist who *somewhat* explained the details of my diagnosis but was unable to tell me what stage I am in. She did explain that I will have the surgery to remove the entire mole and "that should take care of it."  I asked her if there was any indication that my cancer had spread or if there will be any follow up treatment.

      Hi, I've seen others post their pathology reports here so I am hoping to get some help deciphering my own.  I was just diagnosed today with malignant melanoma in one mole.  I met with my dermatologist who *somewhat* explained the details of my diagnosis but was unable to tell me what stage I am in. She did explain that I will have the surgery to remove the entire mole and "that should take care of it."  I asked her if there was any indication that my cancer had spread or if there will be any follow up treatment.  She said there are no guarantees but "the odds are overwhelmingly in your favor."  I'll continue to have full body scans on a regular basis.  I asked what stage I am in and she sort of shrugged her shoulders and said "stage 1, I guess."  She gave me a copy of my report but did not offer to explain it.  Well, I am trying to focus on her positive attitude and her statement that the odds are overwhelmingly in my favor but would also like some feedback from this forum, if possible.  This is what my pathology report says:

       

      "Malignant melanoma measuring 0.3 mm in thickness.

      Comment:  There is a broad asymmetrical poorly circumscribed melanocyctic neoplasm composed of nests localized at the dermal epidermal junction and superficial dermis.  There is marked variation in the size and shape of the nests and areas of confluence.  There is no evidence of ulceration or vascular invasion.  The lesion extends to the lateral margins and a conservative reexcision of this lesion to ensure that it is completely removed would be judicious."  

       

      I've looked at the stages chart on this site, which leads me to believe I am either Stage 0 or Stage 1A.  Can anyone clarify which one it is?  I've looked up the term ulceration but what exactly does vascular invasion mean?  What is the significance of the statement: "marked variation in the size and shape of the nests and areas of confluence?"  I will be in Mexico July 25-Aug 2 and discussed this with the dermatologist in relation to scheduling of the surgical procedure and recovery with stitches.  I don't want to put off a necessary procedure to remove cancer but I also do not want to be out of the country and have to deal with stitches, in case there are complications.  My dermatologist agreed that I would be better off not having stitches while away and said it should be fine to wait until after I return to have the procedure.  Incidentally, I have developed an infection at this same site from the scraping the doctor did last week for the biopsy and I am now on an antibiotic for the next 10 days.  She said the surgeon would not want to remove the mole until I am infection-free.  Is it safe to wait until early August for the mole removal?

      Thank you for your time and advice.    

    Viewing 12 reply threads
    • Replies
        • July 9, 2013 at 2:22 am
        Janner
        Participant

          There is not enough information on the report to fully stage you.  You are stage IA or stage IB, not stage 0.  Stage 0 (in situ) has no depth and you have a depth of 0.3mm.  The missing component is mitosis.  A mitosis of <1 is considered stage IA and a mitosis of 1+ is stage IB.  You want 1cm margins, not "conservative margins" especially since your margins are involved.  That is standard for stage I.  Does the report say if it was read by a dermatopathologist?  General pathologists are not as versed in melanoma as dermatopathologists (pathologists who specialize in skin only).  Mitosis has been a part of staging since late 2010 so I'm surprised it isn't mentioned at all.  I'd also wonder about your derm if she can't give you a simple stage.  She is right, however, that surgery should take care of this.  The lesion is very thin and regardless of mitosis, low risk.  It is also acceptable to wait to have your WLE (wide local excision).  That shouldn't change anything and it would be much better to have that when you are in the country.

          BTW, dissecting the description on the pathology report does not tell you anything significant.  The important parts of it are the same parts that determine staging.  These are the aspects that they've identified to have prognositc value.  The description is just how the pathologist justifies his diagnosis and is not meant to be analyzed line by line.

          Best wishes,

          Janner

          • July 9, 2013 at 2:22 am
          Janner
          Participant

            There is not enough information on the report to fully stage you.  You are stage IA or stage IB, not stage 0.  Stage 0 (in situ) has no depth and you have a depth of 0.3mm.  The missing component is mitosis.  A mitosis of <1 is considered stage IA and a mitosis of 1+ is stage IB.  You want 1cm margins, not "conservative margins" especially since your margins are involved.  That is standard for stage I.  Does the report say if it was read by a dermatopathologist?  General pathologists are not as versed in melanoma as dermatopathologists (pathologists who specialize in skin only).  Mitosis has been a part of staging since late 2010 so I'm surprised it isn't mentioned at all.  I'd also wonder about your derm if she can't give you a simple stage.  She is right, however, that surgery should take care of this.  The lesion is very thin and regardless of mitosis, low risk.  It is also acceptable to wait to have your WLE (wide local excision).  That shouldn't change anything and it would be much better to have that when you are in the country.

            BTW, dissecting the description on the pathology report does not tell you anything significant.  The important parts of it are the same parts that determine staging.  These are the aspects that they've identified to have prognositc value.  The description is just how the pathologist justifies his diagnosis and is not meant to be analyzed line by line.

            Best wishes,

            Janner

            • July 9, 2013 at 2:22 am
            Janner
            Participant

              There is not enough information on the report to fully stage you.  You are stage IA or stage IB, not stage 0.  Stage 0 (in situ) has no depth and you have a depth of 0.3mm.  The missing component is mitosis.  A mitosis of <1 is considered stage IA and a mitosis of 1+ is stage IB.  You want 1cm margins, not "conservative margins" especially since your margins are involved.  That is standard for stage I.  Does the report say if it was read by a dermatopathologist?  General pathologists are not as versed in melanoma as dermatopathologists (pathologists who specialize in skin only).  Mitosis has been a part of staging since late 2010 so I'm surprised it isn't mentioned at all.  I'd also wonder about your derm if she can't give you a simple stage.  She is right, however, that surgery should take care of this.  The lesion is very thin and regardless of mitosis, low risk.  It is also acceptable to wait to have your WLE (wide local excision).  That shouldn't change anything and it would be much better to have that when you are in the country.

              BTW, dissecting the description on the pathology report does not tell you anything significant.  The important parts of it are the same parts that determine staging.  These are the aspects that they've identified to have prognositc value.  The description is just how the pathologist justifies his diagnosis and is not meant to be analyzed line by line.

              Best wishes,

              Janner

              • July 9, 2013 at 3:02 am
              Lauren6
              Participant

                Thank you for your feedback, Janner.  I looked up the doctor who wrote the pathology report and he is a dermatopathologist.  I get what you're saying in your last paragraph.  Do you recommend that I call my dermatologist to find out the details on mitosis for this mole?  Or leave it be, knowing that:  I'm likely Stage 1A or 1B, the lesion is thin and low risk (per the dermatologist & your advice here), surgery will remove it completely, commit myself to more diligent skin sun-care and self checks, and continue on with my life knowing that I'm high risk and will see a dermatologist on a regular basis?  I know that's a loaded question.  I do have another full-body scan already scheduled with this same dermatologist in October.  I'm not sure if I will stick with her or request another doctor who is a better communicator.  I'm reassured by your response about the WLE also.  Thanks so much. 

                • July 9, 2013 at 3:17 am
                Janner
                Participant

                  Yes, you are low risk.  But as for getting a complete staging, that's totally up to you and your comfort zone.  Some people have to have every detail, others are content with "low risk".  There isn't a right or wrong here, just what makes YOU feel comfortable.  Same with your doctor.  If you'd feel better with someone different, move on.  I did at one point in time and am very happy with my current doc.  Again it's all about you and what makes YOU feel good!

                  Best wishes,

                  Janner

                  • July 9, 2013 at 9:24 am
                  JC
                  Participant
                    Our pathology reports are almost identical (mine was 2 years ago). This is pretty thin. Puts you at Stage IA or IB (depending on mitotic rate). I think this is a pretty low risk lesion, congratulations on catching it early. Be vigilant about your skin, monitor any changes, get frequent skin checks/exams, etc. . After this wide excision, there probably isn't much else. Even though this has a very good prognosis, it is a serious thing and it is a big deal. You've come to a great place for information/discussion. Sorry you joined us, but the prognosis for this type of lesion is in the very high 90s, probably 97%, 98%, not 100% but still very good. I'm not a doctor, but this is what I gather from what I've learned.  For your own peace of mind you could always send the slides to another dermatopathologist for a 2nd opinion/confirmation.
                    • July 9, 2013 at 9:24 am
                    JC
                    Participant
                      Our pathology reports are almost identical (mine was 2 years ago). This is pretty thin. Puts you at Stage IA or IB (depending on mitotic rate). I think this is a pretty low risk lesion, congratulations on catching it early. Be vigilant about your skin, monitor any changes, get frequent skin checks/exams, etc. . After this wide excision, there probably isn't much else. Even though this has a very good prognosis, it is a serious thing and it is a big deal. You've come to a great place for information/discussion. Sorry you joined us, but the prognosis for this type of lesion is in the very high 90s, probably 97%, 98%, not 100% but still very good. I'm not a doctor, but this is what I gather from what I've learned.  For your own peace of mind you could always send the slides to another dermatopathologist for a 2nd opinion/confirmation.
                      • July 9, 2013 at 9:24 am
                      JC
                      Participant
                        Our pathology reports are almost identical (mine was 2 years ago). This is pretty thin. Puts you at Stage IA or IB (depending on mitotic rate). I think this is a pretty low risk lesion, congratulations on catching it early. Be vigilant about your skin, monitor any changes, get frequent skin checks/exams, etc. . After this wide excision, there probably isn't much else. Even though this has a very good prognosis, it is a serious thing and it is a big deal. You've come to a great place for information/discussion. Sorry you joined us, but the prognosis for this type of lesion is in the very high 90s, probably 97%, 98%, not 100% but still very good. I'm not a doctor, but this is what I gather from what I've learned.  For your own peace of mind you could always send the slides to another dermatopathologist for a 2nd opinion/confirmation.
                        • July 30, 2013 at 2:09 am
                        Margaret Seattle
                        Participant

                          Sounds like we have a very similar situation, although I've already gone through with an excision and sentinel node biopsy.

                          My malignant melanoma was a .93 from a shave biopsy, just under a millimeter. When they told me it was malignant back in June, they didn't give me a "stage" but they said it was a 1 on the mitotic index. 

                          I was literally on my way out the door for a month-long trip to Europe when I got the diagnosis, so I got into surgery the next day for a consult and when I asked if I could still take a trip for a month before dealing with this, she didn't even hesitate and she said "absolutely." She said I was at low risk for it to have spread.

                          I'm really glad I did because, while it was still worriesome, I came back refreshed and renewed and ready for surgery.

                          I had my surgery last Monday (7/22). It was a wide excision on my shin (which required plastic surgery because they needed such a big margin and the skin there is so tight) and I also had a sentinel node mapping and biopsy. (Also, I had a Basel Cell Carcinoma on my right shin that she wanted to take off at the same time…it required an excision but not nearly as wide).

                          I'm happy to say that my margins were clean and my nodes were fine. I'm pretty thankful.

                          I'm walking with crutches now, until this thing heals, and the my thigh around my node biopsy hurts like the Dickens, but overall, it's a small price to pay.

                          I hope you are enjoying your trip and you come back relaxed and ready for the next step! More importantly, I hope everything works out for you as well!

                          • July 30, 2013 at 2:09 am
                          Margaret Seattle
                          Participant

                            Sounds like we have a very similar situation, although I've already gone through with an excision and sentinel node biopsy.

                            My malignant melanoma was a .93 from a shave biopsy, just under a millimeter. When they told me it was malignant back in June, they didn't give me a "stage" but they said it was a 1 on the mitotic index. 

                            I was literally on my way out the door for a month-long trip to Europe when I got the diagnosis, so I got into surgery the next day for a consult and when I asked if I could still take a trip for a month before dealing with this, she didn't even hesitate and she said "absolutely." She said I was at low risk for it to have spread.

                            I'm really glad I did because, while it was still worriesome, I came back refreshed and renewed and ready for surgery.

                            I had my surgery last Monday (7/22). It was a wide excision on my shin (which required plastic surgery because they needed such a big margin and the skin there is so tight) and I also had a sentinel node mapping and biopsy. (Also, I had a Basel Cell Carcinoma on my right shin that she wanted to take off at the same time…it required an excision but not nearly as wide).

                            I'm happy to say that my margins were clean and my nodes were fine. I'm pretty thankful.

                            I'm walking with crutches now, until this thing heals, and the my thigh around my node biopsy hurts like the Dickens, but overall, it's a small price to pay.

                            I hope you are enjoying your trip and you come back relaxed and ready for the next step! More importantly, I hope everything works out for you as well!

                            • July 30, 2013 at 2:09 am
                            Margaret Seattle
                            Participant

                              Sounds like we have a very similar situation, although I've already gone through with an excision and sentinel node biopsy.

                              My malignant melanoma was a .93 from a shave biopsy, just under a millimeter. When they told me it was malignant back in June, they didn't give me a "stage" but they said it was a 1 on the mitotic index. 

                              I was literally on my way out the door for a month-long trip to Europe when I got the diagnosis, so I got into surgery the next day for a consult and when I asked if I could still take a trip for a month before dealing with this, she didn't even hesitate and she said "absolutely." She said I was at low risk for it to have spread.

                              I'm really glad I did because, while it was still worriesome, I came back refreshed and renewed and ready for surgery.

                              I had my surgery last Monday (7/22). It was a wide excision on my shin (which required plastic surgery because they needed such a big margin and the skin there is so tight) and I also had a sentinel node mapping and biopsy. (Also, I had a Basel Cell Carcinoma on my right shin that she wanted to take off at the same time…it required an excision but not nearly as wide).

                              I'm happy to say that my margins were clean and my nodes were fine. I'm pretty thankful.

                              I'm walking with crutches now, until this thing heals, and the my thigh around my node biopsy hurts like the Dickens, but overall, it's a small price to pay.

                              I hope you are enjoying your trip and you come back relaxed and ready for the next step! More importantly, I hope everything works out for you as well!

                              • August 7, 2013 at 9:01 pm
                              Margaret Seattle
                              Participant

                                You're very welcome, Lauren, and I'm really glad to hear I could help in some small way.

                                I'm so glad your surgery went smoothly and I wish you all the best during your recovery!

                                I'm getting my stitches out tomorrow! Hurray! But I have a lot of pain in my leg (best way to describe is "zingers" since it feels like my nerve endings are trying to come back) and have had a little bit of swelling on and off. I'm not sure if I'll be off my crutches tomorrow because I've found that any prolonged use of my leg hurts like heck. (I tried making dinner last night for my family for the first time in two weeks and that was not a good idea!) But I feel great, otherwise. and this may sound cheesey, but even during my downtime whenever I found myself clawing the walls, I looked back on photos of our trip…it helped tremendously!

                                 

                                Take good care!

                                ~Margaret

                                • August 7, 2013 at 9:01 pm
                                Margaret Seattle
                                Participant

                                  You're very welcome, Lauren, and I'm really glad to hear I could help in some small way.

                                  I'm so glad your surgery went smoothly and I wish you all the best during your recovery!

                                  I'm getting my stitches out tomorrow! Hurray! But I have a lot of pain in my leg (best way to describe is "zingers" since it feels like my nerve endings are trying to come back) and have had a little bit of swelling on and off. I'm not sure if I'll be off my crutches tomorrow because I've found that any prolonged use of my leg hurts like heck. (I tried making dinner last night for my family for the first time in two weeks and that was not a good idea!) But I feel great, otherwise. and this may sound cheesey, but even during my downtime whenever I found myself clawing the walls, I looked back on photos of our trip…it helped tremendously!

                                   

                                  Take good care!

                                  ~Margaret

                                  • July 9, 2013 at 3:02 am
                                  Lauren6
                                  Participant

                                    Thank you for your feedback, Janner.  I looked up the doctor who wrote the pathology report and he is a dermatopathologist.  I get what you're saying in your last paragraph.  Do you recommend that I call my dermatologist to find out the details on mitosis for this mole?  Or leave it be, knowing that:  I'm likely Stage 1A or 1B, the lesion is thin and low risk (per the dermatologist & your advice here), surgery will remove it completely, commit myself to more diligent skin sun-care and self checks, and continue on with my life knowing that I'm high risk and will see a dermatologist on a regular basis?  I know that's a loaded question.  I do have another full-body scan already scheduled with this same dermatologist in October.  I'm not sure if I will stick with her or request another doctor who is a better communicator.  I'm reassured by your response about the WLE also.  Thanks so much. 

                                    • July 9, 2013 at 3:02 am
                                    Lauren6
                                    Participant

                                      Thank you for your feedback, Janner.  I looked up the doctor who wrote the pathology report and he is a dermatopathologist.  I get what you're saying in your last paragraph.  Do you recommend that I call my dermatologist to find out the details on mitosis for this mole?  Or leave it be, knowing that:  I'm likely Stage 1A or 1B, the lesion is thin and low risk (per the dermatologist & your advice here), surgery will remove it completely, commit myself to more diligent skin sun-care and self checks, and continue on with my life knowing that I'm high risk and will see a dermatologist on a regular basis?  I know that's a loaded question.  I do have another full-body scan already scheduled with this same dermatologist in October.  I'm not sure if I will stick with her or request another doctor who is a better communicator.  I'm reassured by your response about the WLE also.  Thanks so much. 

                                      • July 9, 2013 at 3:17 am
                                      Janner
                                      Participant

                                        Yes, you are low risk.  But as for getting a complete staging, that's totally up to you and your comfort zone.  Some people have to have every detail, others are content with "low risk".  There isn't a right or wrong here, just what makes YOU feel comfortable.  Same with your doctor.  If you'd feel better with someone different, move on.  I did at one point in time and am very happy with my current doc.  Again it's all about you and what makes YOU feel good!

                                        Best wishes,

                                        Janner

                                        • July 9, 2013 at 3:17 am
                                        Janner
                                        Participant

                                          Yes, you are low risk.  But as for getting a complete staging, that's totally up to you and your comfort zone.  Some people have to have every detail, others are content with "low risk".  There isn't a right or wrong here, just what makes YOU feel comfortable.  Same with your doctor.  If you'd feel better with someone different, move on.  I did at one point in time and am very happy with my current doc.  Again it's all about you and what makes YOU feel good!

                                          Best wishes,

                                          Janner

                                          • July 10, 2013 at 4:56 pm
                                          Lauren6
                                          Participant

                                            Thanks so much, Janner.  I've chosen to be content with knowing I am "low risk" with this particular malignant mole.  I'm typically a person who needs to have every detail, but I'm choosing this time to trust what I've been told and have read which says the odds of success are very, very good for me!  I've read a lot about melanoma online in the last few days (which is both a good thing and a troubling thing, but that's the internet!).  One of the other moles that was biopsied came back as "junctional nevus inflamed" and I know now that it will be one to really watch.  I'm due back for another full body scan in October and I will be ready with informed questions then, especially if my doctor takes another sample for biopsy.  I am extremely pleased with my dermatology practice overall and plan to give this doctor another go in October.  I'll move on after that experience if I'm not comfortable.  I have an appointment for the WLE on August 7 and I've read the skin surgery center's website and the dermatology surgeon's profile in detail.  I'm confident I will be in very good hands there.  Thank you, again, very much for your time, feedback, and concern!  All the best to you!     

                                            • July 10, 2013 at 4:56 pm
                                            Lauren6
                                            Participant

                                              Thanks so much, Janner.  I've chosen to be content with knowing I am "low risk" with this particular malignant mole.  I'm typically a person who needs to have every detail, but I'm choosing this time to trust what I've been told and have read which says the odds of success are very, very good for me!  I've read a lot about melanoma online in the last few days (which is both a good thing and a troubling thing, but that's the internet!).  One of the other moles that was biopsied came back as "junctional nevus inflamed" and I know now that it will be one to really watch.  I'm due back for another full body scan in October and I will be ready with informed questions then, especially if my doctor takes another sample for biopsy.  I am extremely pleased with my dermatology practice overall and plan to give this doctor another go in October.  I'll move on after that experience if I'm not comfortable.  I have an appointment for the WLE on August 7 and I've read the skin surgery center's website and the dermatology surgeon's profile in detail.  I'm confident I will be in very good hands there.  Thank you, again, very much for your time, feedback, and concern!  All the best to you!     

                                              • July 10, 2013 at 4:56 pm
                                              Lauren6
                                              Participant

                                                Thanks so much, Janner.  I've chosen to be content with knowing I am "low risk" with this particular malignant mole.  I'm typically a person who needs to have every detail, but I'm choosing this time to trust what I've been told and have read which says the odds of success are very, very good for me!  I've read a lot about melanoma online in the last few days (which is both a good thing and a troubling thing, but that's the internet!).  One of the other moles that was biopsied came back as "junctional nevus inflamed" and I know now that it will be one to really watch.  I'm due back for another full body scan in October and I will be ready with informed questions then, especially if my doctor takes another sample for biopsy.  I am extremely pleased with my dermatology practice overall and plan to give this doctor another go in October.  I'll move on after that experience if I'm not comfortable.  I have an appointment for the WLE on August 7 and I've read the skin surgery center's website and the dermatology surgeon's profile in detail.  I'm confident I will be in very good hands there.  Thank you, again, very much for your time, feedback, and concern!  All the best to you!     

                                                • July 10, 2013 at 5:22 pm
                                                Lauren6
                                                Participant

                                                  Hi JC, thanks for the response.  I do feel very blessed that my melanoma was caught early.  I had put off resuming regular visits to a dermatologist for too long, and so I'm very thankful that this lesion is so thin and such a low risk.  You are right, this is a big deal – it's cancer – but I am choosing not to worry about a 2 or 3% chance of a worst case scenario happening.  I think there is probably a 2 or 3% chance of anything happening to us in life.  I've been diligent about sun protection on my face, chest, back, and torso for many, many years… not quite as good on my legs and arms, especially when I know I will only be outside less than an hour.  Surprise, surprise:  my melanoma is on my arm.  So, I'm choosing to see this diagnosis as a huge opportunity to take better care of myself in all ways.  I know that God is watching over me and I am paying attention and doing my part also.  I'm choosing to trust what I've been told and have read that the odds are overwhelmingly in my favor that surgery will remove my cancer completely and I don't intend to seek a second opinion.  Thanks again for your feedback!         

                                                  • July 10, 2013 at 5:22 pm
                                                  Lauren6
                                                  Participant

                                                    Hi JC, thanks for the response.  I do feel very blessed that my melanoma was caught early.  I had put off resuming regular visits to a dermatologist for too long, and so I'm very thankful that this lesion is so thin and such a low risk.  You are right, this is a big deal – it's cancer – but I am choosing not to worry about a 2 or 3% chance of a worst case scenario happening.  I think there is probably a 2 or 3% chance of anything happening to us in life.  I've been diligent about sun protection on my face, chest, back, and torso for many, many years… not quite as good on my legs and arms, especially when I know I will only be outside less than an hour.  Surprise, surprise:  my melanoma is on my arm.  So, I'm choosing to see this diagnosis as a huge opportunity to take better care of myself in all ways.  I know that God is watching over me and I am paying attention and doing my part also.  I'm choosing to trust what I've been told and have read that the odds are overwhelmingly in my favor that surgery will remove my cancer completely and I don't intend to seek a second opinion.  Thanks again for your feedback!         

                                                    • July 10, 2013 at 5:22 pm
                                                    Lauren6
                                                    Participant

                                                      Hi JC, thanks for the response.  I do feel very blessed that my melanoma was caught early.  I had put off resuming regular visits to a dermatologist for too long, and so I'm very thankful that this lesion is so thin and such a low risk.  You are right, this is a big deal – it's cancer – but I am choosing not to worry about a 2 or 3% chance of a worst case scenario happening.  I think there is probably a 2 or 3% chance of anything happening to us in life.  I've been diligent about sun protection on my face, chest, back, and torso for many, many years… not quite as good on my legs and arms, especially when I know I will only be outside less than an hour.  Surprise, surprise:  my melanoma is on my arm.  So, I'm choosing to see this diagnosis as a huge opportunity to take better care of myself in all ways.  I know that God is watching over me and I am paying attention and doing my part also.  I'm choosing to trust what I've been told and have read that the odds are overwhelmingly in my favor that surgery will remove my cancer completely and I don't intend to seek a second opinion.  Thanks again for your feedback!         

                                                      • August 7, 2013 at 8:29 pm
                                                      Lauren6
                                                      Participant

                                                        Hi Margaret, thank you so much for your kind response.  I actually read it while out of the country last week, while checking email during a brief moment of wifi access, and your reassuring words gave me such peace.  I wasn't aware that I was worrying about my surgery at the time, but I must have been because a rush of emotions came over me as I read your post and I felt so calmed and reassured.  I am so glad to hear that your surgery went well and your margins were clean and nodes were fine.  My surgery was this morning and my surgeon was wonderful.  In addition to my lesion being very thin, the melanoma mole was also very small in diameter but my dermatologist took a wide berth when scraping it for biopsy back in July.  Today the surgeon took the entire scarred area resulting from the biopsy plus a 1 cm margin around the entire area.  She expressed complete confidence that she was getting every bit of the melanoma and I am confident also.  Less than 5 minutes after beginning the procedure, she proclaimed "okay the cancer is out!"  It was a wonderful feeling.  I feel so blessed.  Got a sore arm and can't do much for the next 2 weeks but like you said, it's a small price to pay.  Hope you are off those crutches now or very soon.  Your month in Europe must have been fantastic!  Thank you again for being in touch and expressing support.  I pray that you (and I) will never have melanoma again!    

                                                        • August 7, 2013 at 8:29 pm
                                                        Lauren6
                                                        Participant

                                                          Hi Margaret, thank you so much for your kind response.  I actually read it while out of the country last week, while checking email during a brief moment of wifi access, and your reassuring words gave me such peace.  I wasn't aware that I was worrying about my surgery at the time, but I must have been because a rush of emotions came over me as I read your post and I felt so calmed and reassured.  I am so glad to hear that your surgery went well and your margins were clean and nodes were fine.  My surgery was this morning and my surgeon was wonderful.  In addition to my lesion being very thin, the melanoma mole was also very small in diameter but my dermatologist took a wide berth when scraping it for biopsy back in July.  Today the surgeon took the entire scarred area resulting from the biopsy plus a 1 cm margin around the entire area.  She expressed complete confidence that she was getting every bit of the melanoma and I am confident also.  Less than 5 minutes after beginning the procedure, she proclaimed "okay the cancer is out!"  It was a wonderful feeling.  I feel so blessed.  Got a sore arm and can't do much for the next 2 weeks but like you said, it's a small price to pay.  Hope you are off those crutches now or very soon.  Your month in Europe must have been fantastic!  Thank you again for being in touch and expressing support.  I pray that you (and I) will never have melanoma again!    

                                                          • August 7, 2013 at 8:29 pm
                                                          Lauren6
                                                          Participant

                                                            Hi Margaret, thank you so much for your kind response.  I actually read it while out of the country last week, while checking email during a brief moment of wifi access, and your reassuring words gave me such peace.  I wasn't aware that I was worrying about my surgery at the time, but I must have been because a rush of emotions came over me as I read your post and I felt so calmed and reassured.  I am so glad to hear that your surgery went well and your margins were clean and nodes were fine.  My surgery was this morning and my surgeon was wonderful.  In addition to my lesion being very thin, the melanoma mole was also very small in diameter but my dermatologist took a wide berth when scraping it for biopsy back in July.  Today the surgeon took the entire scarred area resulting from the biopsy plus a 1 cm margin around the entire area.  She expressed complete confidence that she was getting every bit of the melanoma and I am confident also.  Less than 5 minutes after beginning the procedure, she proclaimed "okay the cancer is out!"  It was a wonderful feeling.  I feel so blessed.  Got a sore arm and can't do much for the next 2 weeks but like you said, it's a small price to pay.  Hope you are off those crutches now or very soon.  Your month in Europe must have been fantastic!  Thank you again for being in touch and expressing support.  I pray that you (and I) will never have melanoma again!    

                                                            • August 7, 2013 at 9:01 pm
                                                            Margaret Seattle
                                                            Participant

                                                              You're very welcome, Lauren, and I'm really glad to hear I could help in some small way.

                                                              I'm so glad your surgery went smoothly and I wish you all the best during your recovery!

                                                              I'm getting my stitches out tomorrow! Hurray! But I have a lot of pain in my leg (best way to describe is "zingers" since it feels like my nerve endings are trying to come back) and have had a little bit of swelling on and off. I'm not sure if I'll be off my crutches tomorrow because I've found that any prolonged use of my leg hurts like heck. (I tried making dinner last night for my family for the first time in two weeks and that was not a good idea!) But I feel great, otherwise. and this may sound cheesey, but even during my downtime whenever I found myself clawing the walls, I looked back on photos of our trip…it helped tremendously!

                                                               

                                                              Take good care!

                                                              ~Margaret

                                                              • August 7, 2013 at 9:01 pm
                                                              Margaret Seattle
                                                              Participant

                                                                You're very welcome, Lauren, and I'm really glad to hear I could help in some small way.

                                                                I'm so glad your surgery went smoothly and I wish you all the best during your recovery!

                                                                I'm getting my stitches out tomorrow! Hurray! But I have a lot of pain in my leg (best way to describe is "zingers" since it feels like my nerve endings are trying to come back) and have had a little bit of swelling on and off. I'm not sure if I'll be off my crutches tomorrow because I've found that any prolonged use of my leg hurts like heck. (I tried making dinner last night for my family for the first time in two weeks and that was not a good idea!) But I feel great, otherwise. and this may sound cheesey, but even during my downtime whenever I found myself clawing the walls, I looked back on photos of our trip…it helped tremendously!

                                                                 

                                                                Take good care!

                                                                ~Margaret

                                                                • August 7, 2013 at 9:01 pm
                                                                Margaret Seattle
                                                                Participant

                                                                  You're very welcome, Lauren, and I'm really glad to hear I could help in some small way.

                                                                  I'm so glad your surgery went smoothly and I wish you all the best during your recovery!

                                                                  I'm getting my stitches out tomorrow! Hurray! But I have a lot of pain in my leg (best way to describe is "zingers" since it feels like my nerve endings are trying to come back) and have had a little bit of swelling on and off. I'm not sure if I'll be off my crutches tomorrow because I've found that any prolonged use of my leg hurts like heck. (I tried making dinner last night for my family for the first time in two weeks and that was not a good idea!) But I feel great, otherwise. and this may sound cheesey, but even during my downtime whenever I found myself clawing the walls, I looked back on photos of our trip…it helped tremendously!

                                                                   

                                                                  Take good care!

                                                                  ~Margaret

                                                                  • August 7, 2013 at 9:01 pm
                                                                  Margaret Seattle
                                                                  Participant

                                                                    You're very welcome, Lauren, and I'm really glad to hear I could help in some small way.

                                                                    I'm so glad your surgery went smoothly and I wish you all the best during your recovery!

                                                                    I'm getting my stitches out tomorrow! Hurray! But I have a lot of pain in my leg (best way to describe is "zingers" since it feels like my nerve endings are trying to come back) and have had a little bit of swelling on and off. I'm not sure if I'll be off my crutches tomorrow because I've found that any prolonged use of my leg hurts like heck. (I tried making dinner last night for my family for the first time in two weeks and that was not a good idea!) But I feel great, otherwise. and this may sound cheesey, but even during my downtime whenever I found myself clawing the walls, I looked back on photos of our trip…it helped tremendously!

                                                                     

                                                                    Take good care!

                                                                    ~Margaret

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